Joseph Hannah

Joseph Emeric Hannah, 95, of Rohrersville, Maryland, passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at his home while surrounded by his family.

Born September 22, 1916, in Windfall, Indiana, he was the son of the late Howard Harold Hannah and Ethel Louise (Davis) Hannah of Sharpsville, Indiana.

He enlisted in the Army, November 3, 1940 and received his wings and commission at Lubbock Field in Texas. He transitioned from the Army Air Corp to the United States Air Force during World War II and became a bomber pilot and received a citation for completing the lengthiest mission over water while serving in the Aleutians, in all he flew 33 missions.  He was sent to Germany in 1945 and while there he flew daily in the famous Berlin Air lift, carrying life-saving food and supplies to those living behind the Russian blockade.  He served in the United States Air Force for 21 years.  His service took him to many parts of the world.  He spent time in Panama, Germany, Morocco, and the Pentagon in Washington D.C among other places.  After retiring June 30, 1961 at the rank of Colonel, he worked as Director of Systems Development for Western Union Telegraph Co. in Washington, D.C. and then Manager of Government Communications for Control Data Corporation in Rockville, Maryland.  He retired to the farm in 1970 to begin a career working for the community.

He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Rohrersville, Maryland. He also served as conference lay leader for the United Methodist Church and traveled the state of Maryland for four years.  He was a member of the Masonic Order for 67 years and belonged to the Antietam Lodge #197 AF&AM as well as belonging to the Order of the Eastern Star, Olive Branch #34 both located in Keedysville, Maryland.

As a south county resident since 1966, he served as a member of the Rohrersville Ruritan Club and held the position of president and treasurer. He served on the Washington County Park Board and was instrumental in getting the parks located in south county.  He was also president of the Southeastern Health and Community Services Corporation serving southern Washington County.  He was a volunteer at Reeder's Memorial Home for over 30 years in the capacity of chairman of the Board of Trustees and president of the Reeder's Memorial Home Corporation of Boonsboro.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Martha Josephine Hannah at home, 3 sons, Joseph Michael Hannah and wife, Frances of Stephenville, Texas; Patrick Lynn Hannah and wife, Romaine of Rohrersville, Maryland; and Timothy Allen Hannah and wife Cindy, of Rohrersville;  two daughters, Sheron Ann (Hannah) Dinsmore and husband Donald of Rohrersville, and  Stephanie Sue Hannah of Rohrersville, 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 1 great, great grandchild.

In addition to his parents, two sisters, Viola Balser of Sharpsville, Indiana and Evelyn Cage of Tipton, Indiana, and one grandson Timothy Dagan Hannah of Rohrersville precede him in death.

A memorial ceremony will be held to celebrate the life of Joseph on Friday, March 30, 2012 at 3 p.m. at the Bast-Stauffer Funeral Home, 7606 Old National Pike in Boonsboro.  Rev. Marvin L. Kline and Rev. John W. Schildt will officiate.

The family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the service and a memorial will be conducted by the Antietam Masonic Lodge just prior to the start of the ceremony.  Military honors will be rendered by the Clopper-Michael American Legion Post #10, Boonsboro.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Bethel United Methodist Church, Post Office Box B, Rohrersville, Maryland, 21779, the Veterans organization of your choice, or the Alzheimer's Association, Post Office Box 96011, Washington, DC, 20090-6011.